Oklahoma City KEY - Cover Story

If you are looking for Oklahoma City's most gracious and elegant dining, look no further than The Coach House. Over the years, The Coach House has played host to some of the most significant events in the life of Oklahoma City and has enhanced its reputation every step of the way through a single-minded commitment to quality. Just one of the many reasons they are Oklahoma City's only four-diamond rated restaurant in the AAA guide.

In November of 1985 The Coach House opened its doors in Nichols Hills and began the long, slow journey to success. The early years were a struggle, but the arrival of Chef Kurt Fleischfresser in 1988 took The Coach House to a new level of quality and consistency. Over the years, The Coach House has evolved to become Oklahoma City's finest upscale restaurant.

Under the experienced hand of Chef Fleischfresser, The Coach House offers an ever-changing seasonal cuisine highlighting the best local produce and regional specialties, prepared with classical perfection. Kurt has twice been invited to the world-renown James Beard House in New York City as part of the Great Regional Chefs Program, and is a two-time finalist in the prestigious American Culinary Gold Cup Competition which is the first portion of The Bocuse d’Or.

In April of 2009, Kurt was awarded the Medaille de Merite by L’Academie de Gastronomie Brillat-Savarin for his contributions in education in the culinary arts. He is one of a few with federal accreditation in the country. He joins the late Julia Child, Alan Wong from Hawaii and renowned celebrity chef Paul Prudhomme as the only four American chefs to receive the honor.

For years the Coach House has had a very successful Guest Chef program, bringing in great chefs from around the country to create dinners for patrons. Among those who have cooked at The Coach House are Jacques Pepin, Stephan Pyles, Roland Passot, Rick Bayless, Jean-Louis Palladin, Hubert Keller, Hugh Carpenter, Bernard Cretier, Deborah Madison along with many other great chefs.

These dinners not only benefit their patrons who get to enjoy many different chefs' talents, but also serve as a kind of "master class" for their own chefs who refine their techniques and get to network with professional chefs in other parts of the country.

The Coach House also operates its kitchen in a very unique way. Every chef in the kitchen signs on for a two-and-a-half year apprenticeship, during which time they learn the fundamentals of fine cooking by working every station in the kitchen in a pre-defined curriculum. At the end of their apprenticeship the apprentices then go on to work for other chefs around the country (many of whom they have met as Guest Chefs) or some go to work in one of the other Western Concepts kitchens. Western Concepts Restaurant Group is made up of The Coach House, Sushi Neko, Musashi’s, Will Rogers Theater and Tasting Room and The Lobby Café and Bar.

A dining room of warm colors is the setting for the gracious service that has made The Coach House famous. With fine china, elegant crystal, crisp table linens and fresh flowers gracing every table, you will think you are in a fine European country inn. Their Wine Spectator award-winning wine list offers the perfect accompaniment to each course.

Travelers from around the world consistently comment that the quality of The Coach House rivals their favorite restaurants both here and abroad. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, entertaining clients, or simply having dinner with family and friends, there is just no better place to taste and enjoy an unparalleled dining experience than The Coach House.

The Coach House is located at 6437 Avondale Drive in Nichols Hills. The restaurant, is open for lunch Monday thru Friday from 11:30 to 2:00 and offers dinner service Monday through Saturday from 6:00 to 10:00. Catering information and dinner reservations (recommended) may be made by calling 405-842-1000.

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